The National Retail Federation (NRF) and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) have called off their proposed merger. Although the organizations’ boards had agreed to the merger in principle just two months ago, a statement issued on Wednesday indicated they would continue as separate entities. “There is no plan for the two groups to merge at this time—or in the foreseeable future,” wrote Tracy Mullin, NRF president and ceo in an open letter to members.
No details on why talks broke off were released. A joint quote from the associations' boards stated that NRF and RILA “will devote all resources to the continuing the work they are each doing to address the serious issues that America’s consumers and retailers are facing in today’s economic environment.”
NRF, the world’s largest retail trade association “will continue to serve as the voice of retailing in Washington,” according to Mullin. RILA provides education and public advocacy for a membership base of retail companies.